Used with the definite article to denote rich people collectively (plural-only noun).
Translations
les richesNom collectif au pluriel. The new tax affects only the wealthy.
La nouvelle taxe ne touche que les riches.
les personnes fortunéesFormulation plus explicite et soutenue. Rich people considered as a group. The new tax affects only the wealthy.
Synonyms
the well-to-do
moneyed class
wealthy people
upper class
the rich
the affluent